Government Pharmacist |
Career OverviewA government pharmacist works closely with state, federal and occasionally local governments to regulate and control the quality and regulate the use of different medications and medical treatments. The government pharmacist is often very involved in large scale research projects for agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration or other governing bodies.
The government pharmacist must have excellent communication skills and should have a strong, solid background in pharmaceutical research and development. Additional skills and knowledge on research design and management as well as an understanding of data collection, database programs and data analysis is essential.
The government pharmacist is usually responsible for coordinating and compiling results of test and research and making recommendations as to the regulation of various types of medications and drug therapies.
A government pharmacist may be located in a large research center or may be required to travel frequently. Often government pharmacists work out of regional offices but are often needed in federal research facilities to present information and research findings. Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills are needed to assume the position of a government pharmacist.
Government pharmacists will need to be extremely knowledgeable on current laws, regulations and guidelines on the manufacturing and testing of medicines and drug therapies.
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Career RequirementsBesides having a Pharm-D or a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy a government pharmacist should be licensed or should be qualified to obtain licensure. They should have completed both the NAPLEX and the MPJE exams and be knowledgeable on legal issues regarding drug testing and regulation.
Most government pharmacists work very closely with lawmakers and regulators to ensure that all drug therapy testing is done accurately and within the federal and state guidelines.
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Job OutlookThe demand for qualified government pharmacists with experience in research will continue to increase over the next several years. One concern with staffing the vacancies for these positions is that the private sector pharmaceutical companies are able to offer significantly higher wages that the government agencies. This often means that the qualified researches seek employment with pharmaceuticals rather than with the government.
It is estimated that the demand for government pharmacists will continue to increase as the number of graduates from schools of pharmacy currently does not equal the number of positions on the marketplace.
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Career TrackA government pharmacist has the option of moving into upper level management such as program or project management or managing of research departments within the government. Private sector pharmaceutical labs also recruit from government agencies and actively seek out those government pharmacists with strong research experience.
Some government pharmacists may return to teach at the various schools of pharmacy across the United States.
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CompensationA government pharmacist earns slightly less per year than the equivalent pharmacist in a private or chain pharmacy. Most government pharmacist that are not in supervisory or management positions earn between $75,000 and $82,000 per year. There is usually excellent healthcare, retirement and investment opportunities as well as exceptional job security with government pharmacist positions.
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